On February 17, 2021, the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research published work by FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders doctoral student Megan Hirsch. The paper is titled “Generalized Learning of Dysarthric Speech Between Male and Female Talkers.”

“Previous research has shown that listeners can improve their understanding of speech produced by talkers with dysarthria through perceptual training,” said Hirsch. “However, what previous research has not shown is whether generalization of learning is constrained by the talker’s sex.” Hirsch’s research addresses this gap by investigating how a talker with dysarthria can generalize to another regardless of sex.

The paper was completed as part of Hirsch’s master’s thesis and marks their first-authored publication. Hirsch wrote the manuscript for the publication while balancing rigorous coursework during their first year in the doctoral program.

“This publication is important because it adds to the growing literature on the viability of perceptual training paradigms as a possible alternative or additive treatment option for people with dysarthria, especially people with dysarthria secondary to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),” said Hirsch. “The generalized learning effects found in this study also supports the potential for developing perceptual training programs for listeners who interact with multiple people with dysarthria, such as healthcare workers, to improve their understanding of speech from talkers with dysarthria.”

Hirsch’s professor, Dr. Kaitlin Lansford, helped them publish the work. “I am very proud of their determination and perseverance as they navigated the publication process,” said Dr. Lansford. “I am certain that this is just the first of many scholarly successes to come for Megan.”

After graduation Hirsch plans on pursuing a career in academia. “I hope to become a professor and continue to conduct research in speech perception and motor speech disorders,” says Hirsch. This publication is the first step in a programmatic line of research that can stretch into their future career as a professor and researcher.

To view Hirsch’s publication, click here.